OCEAN CITY — Their hands tied by 1st Amendment freedom of speech and freedom of expression protections, resort officials could do little but stand back and watch last weekend as an individual boasted a large, vulgar sign directed at Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan.
Last Friday, the individual appeared on the populous south end of the Boardwalk displaying a large sign expressing an expletive-laced message directed at Hogan, the language on which is not suitable for print. Suffice it to say, the sign-carrying individual was not happy with the governor, and while the motive was not clear, it was likely directed at Hogan’s handling of the COVID crisis, possibly the mask requirement and spring restrictions of private businesses.
The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) and resort officials consulted with their legal representation and the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office and determined the sign, while clearly vulgar and inappropriate on a crowded Boardwalk in the middle of the afternoon with children present, was free speech protected by the First Amendment. The OCPD later issued a statement explaining why the sign could not be removed.
“The Ocean City Police Department is aware of the large sign being displayed on the Boardwalk regarding Governor Hogan,” the statement reads. “The City Solicitor and the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office have been consulted. Unfortunately, the sign, including the profanity, is freedom of speech.”
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12 comments:
If they can paint the disgusting BLM crap on the street then this guy can hold a sign.
Just think what the outcome would have been if it said "Black Lives Suck"?
This is freedom of speech too.
OC officials are just upset cuz the sign told the truth about Hogan!
Ditto
first amendment only restricts the government from doing something
So the city shouldn’t waste tax dollars posting prohibited signs because they mean nothing.
you should try that sign an see what the outcome is!
Darn, the truth really hurts sooooo bad, LOL! Open us Hogan, You've already said c-19 is about as lethal as car accidents. Will you outlaw driving or open the businesses? Remember your election slogan, "Maryland, Open For business"????
Exactly you commie F's. Now sit your asses down and sip a can of STFU.
Damn--what a lot of hollerin' bout nothing. The kids today who are older than 6 years old can produce words from their mouth's that are just as vulgar and do not even exist in the American Heritage Dictionary yet. Ask any 6 year old to teach an old fart of 60 years old some good ole' NEW cuss words that a dictionary has yet to identify. You will learn a great deal. You may need to learn a whole new vocabulary. If you can live long enough.
"Daddy.........what does F*** mean"?
Their hands are tied? Take note of this patriots. Ocean City feels its hands are tied by the Constitution.
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